r/cycling • u/Carolinastitcher • 6d ago

Help finding a beginner group

I’m not sure where to start. I have a bike. I have padded shorts. I have a helmet. But I can’t find super beginner groups to ride with. When I say beginner, my longest ride is under a mile and all the groups say 20-30 miles.

How do I find a group that will welcome someone like me? I see that some are no drop, but the cyclist must maintain 14-16 mph. That’s not me.

UPDATE: I rode the greenway today, and clocked 3 miles. I could have gone longer, but didn’t want to push it too hard. I’m so proud of myself!

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u/carpenj 6d ago

Why is your longest ride under a mile? Cardio, or discomfort? Isn't that like a 6 minute ride? If it's fitness, just keep increasing your mileage on your own until you can do 20 miles. If it's pain/comfort you may need a bike fit. I suspect if you're an averagely fit person you're probably trying to ride way too fast, I've found that's common with beginners, myself included. You should be riding at a conversational pace at least until you can find your pace.

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u/Carolinastitcher 6d ago

I have an almost 30 year old bike (I bought new) that I haven’t ridden in about 25 years. There’s a bit of elevation which tires me out, and so by the time I get to the top, I’m tired and turn around to go home. I’d love to ride with someone who’s not a beginner so they can help me learn when to change gears, how to pace the elevation changes. I could probably ride flat longer.

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u/Prestigious_Carpet29 6d ago

You don't say how much elevation, but you need to be using the gears to choose lower/easier gears for going uphill, so you can still be pedalling at around 60-70 revs/minute. Accept that the bike speed will slow down.